Skagit County, Wash. (Apr. 4, 2024) – On April 12, Community Action of Skagit County and partners will bring 20 nonprofit and government agencies to Skagit Valley College Cardinal Center for the Skagit Lead & Serve Expo, a first-of-its-kind volunteer and community leadership fair.
The Lead & Serve Expo is free and open to the public noon-2:00 p.m., Fri., Apr. 12, at the SVC Cardinal Center. Parking is free during the event. A full list of participating organizations and downloadable flyers are available at: www.SkagitVolunteerCenter.org.
The event is co-sponsored by Community Action’s Skagit Volunteer Center, Leadership Skagit, the Skagit Community Foundation, EDASC and the Skagit Volunteer Coordinators Network.
Individuals, businesses, service clubs, communities of faith, and students are encouraged to attend to find out about volunteer, internship and leadership opportunities with organizations working on issues such as housing, homelessness, the environment, arts and culture, emergency preparedness, kids and youth, seniors, healthcare, and more.
“For several years, we’ve brainstormed with Leadership Skagit organizers about ways to create pathways for the program’s alumni to service on nonprofit boards and government boards and commissions,” said Elizabeth Jennings, Director of Community Engagement for Community Action, an anti-poverty organization serving every community in Skagit County.
“Together, we designed the Skagit Lead & Serve Fair to hit that goal, Jennings said. “We’re excited that it’s also open to anyone else looking for ways to put their passion into action to make Skagit even more awesome,” Jennings said.
On April 9, the Skagit County Commissioners enacted a proclamation naming April as Skagit Volunteer Month, to recognize and honor the economic and social impact of nonprofit and government volunteer service. “Community Action sponsors the Skagit Volunteer Center, a free service that connects over 200 nonprofits to thousands of volunteers every year.” Nonprofits may post volunteer opportunities for free at www.SkagitVolunteerCenter.org.
The organizations selected for the Skagit Lead & Serve Fair post are active with the Volunteer Center and the Skagit Volunteer Coordinators Network, monthly peer learning meetings hosted by Community Action. “Working together, we can raise the profile of community service, which is great for all of our organizations, and the people and communities we serve,” Jennings said.
Leadership Skagit, a program of EDASC in collaboration with Skagit Valley College, is an intensive leadership development program designed to inspire people to become leaders and prepare them for community leadership roles. The program has graduated over 500 alumni, including elected officials, business owners at all levels, executives and more. Applications are now open for the Leadership Skagit class beginning in fall 2024. Skagit Lead & Serve Expo will be open to Leadership Skagit alumni for a private event preceding the public hours of noon-2:00 p.m.
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